Reality Check

Hey all,

So I have been terrible about keeping up with this thing. Life moves too quickly! I can't even remember the last thing I posted on here!
I know that there have been plenty of ups and downs while I have been down here but I just thought I would share this reality check with you all:
I am currently in this very chic cafe called "tea break" sipping on my blended "summer" tea infusion with a croissant and these awesome little cookies that they always give with tea/coffee. I am here frantically cramming for my midterms this upcoming week, I guess there really is a reason they call it "STUDY abroad" and my world has become 100% engrossed with school and potentially passing these stupid midterms that are in spanish. I just spoke to my friend from freshman year at Santa Clara who dropped out to join the Marines. Turns out he is studying abroad, too...but he is studying that art of war in Afghanistan. He just got there this past week and he will be there for the next 7 months. I thought living in a VERY urban foreign country was challenging, but after thinking about his reality...I can't help but feel humbled. I am in Argentina. Taking some silly classes about the urban history of the city, ethics for professionals, poetry, literature, etc. and dont get me wrong, they are challenging, but HOW LUCKY AM I?!!?!?! In a week, I will be heading to MENDOZA AND THEN TO CHILE. I mean, boo-hoo, annette, you dont get to have the comfort of your home, people speak a different language here, and you have to learn, read, write, and take a test in that language. Life is rough. NOT. For reals, though. It was a reality check that my friend is stationed in Afghanistan and yet, I can feel like I am in over my head down here? No way. My life down here rules. I have everything and anything I could every want or need. I am quickly becoming fluent and have the world at my fingertips. Literally. Both Latin America AND Europe are represented here. I am so blessed and I appreciate everyone's support. Particularly my mothers.

On a less selfish note, please keep Jeff in mind and in your prayers for the next 7 months. It is a scary thing that he is over there, but he is very brave and intelligent and I know he will be just fine. But still. pray for him. I know I will.

love you all,
annette

Dalai lama and a day of joy!

Buenos tardes!

So today I went and saw the Dalai Lama during his training on the 7 points of the mind. He spoke in English and tibetan (?) and had a translator who spoke both of those, plus spanish (he was definitely a Porteño, too, I would say that is very impressive knowing those 3 languages fluently!). They gave everyone an outline that was in spanish, but apparently it was out of order! The D.L. was so cute, he said "Apparently, I didn't do my homework and I am very lazy! My apologies to you all!" hahah so funny. It didn't matter that the notes were out of order, though, they're in spanish and very abstract so I had a difficult time interpreting what they meant. He also ran out of time and had to squeeze in the 7 points because he spent about an hour and 15 mins talking about happiness and how to overcome negativity. That was truly awesome to hear that because that is the essence of Buddhism, is conquering negativity and reaching enlightenment/nirvana. It is funny, because I had been talking to my mom on the phone the night before and she said "remember, just do not take on the negativity that they are throwing out there. If you let it pass over you, it remains their problem, not yours." Wise words, mother. So wise that the Dalai Lama said almost the same thing. He quoted an american scientist: 90% of negativity is in part our own projections. Negativity and "hate" do not happen by themselves, it is dependent on us to drive it along with our own "self". The last part was my twist on what he said, but how incredibly true is that? There is only a very small fraction of true negativity that is unavoidable, but even then, they can be overcome. It is a matter of us just not accepting the negativity.
He said many incredible things today, but that one factor is what stuck with me the most. It is something that EVERYONE struggles with, I know I do. It is the struggle to not let people project their negativity on to you, it is the struggle to not soak up that negativity and to embody it yourself, and then project it on to some other poor innocent victim. I don't know. Happiness is such a wonderful challenge.

haha particularly coming from me right now, who has used this silly blog as a rant session. Sorry to all of you!
Anyways, I am going to eat a chocolate pudding that is supposedly made out of some tree bark (i have absolutely no idea what that means. I tried a brownie at this health food restaurant made of the same thing and I wasn't that impressed...I mean, if you're going to go for the chocolate, GO FOR THE CHOCOLATE!) haha but I need to at least try the pudding, maybe I will love it!
tah-tah for now!
<3
Annette

DALAI LAMA!!!!!

AHHHHHHHHHH
I AM GOING TO SEE THE DALAI LAMA TODAY AFTER CLASS!!!!
You can stream what I see, live:
http://www.facebook.com/DalaiLamaArg?sk=app_196506863720166&ref=nf

and here is background:
http://www.dalailamaargentina.com/wp/

ps...apparently the dalai lama speaks spanish...?
awesome.

Never enough Dulce...

HI!

So, I just had a piece of toast with Dulce de Leche for dessert and it was amazing. We went to this adorable wood fire pizza place first and I obviously needed something sweet for afterwards. I may have put an excessive amount in the eyes of most people, but personally, it was perfect.

Anywhoooo, I am REALLY excited because I am going to see the DALAI LAMA on Wednesday at 2pm  (Arg time!)!!! I will be attending his "training the 7 points of the mind" session and I could not have been more excited! I am extremely fortunate because I came back this afternoon from the rugby game with the intention to purchase my ticket and they were all sold out! I was so sad because I have been trying to figure out this god damn ticketportal website all week long and then I thought it was too late! I even wrote to my mother saying it was too late! Then I decided to click refresh and see if perhaps a seat would open up and miraculously ONE SEAT OPENED UP!!! Both my mother and I think Dick would be extremely happy about this :)

All I know is I am SOOO excited that my words do not do my excitement justice!

That is really all I wanted to report back. That and the rugby game today was odd...or maybe I just think Rugby is odd...I don't know. It was a bunch of very heavy men hurling themselves at other very heavy men and then randomly throwing and kicking an odd shaped ball. Mix in some grunts and that is how I now define as Rugby after today...

anyways, tomorrow I am learning the choreography of a Zumba class. My friend is an instructor and is living here for a while after the program, so she has been applying for Zumba instructor positions. She was very recently hired by a couple different places but they said she needs an assistant for the first couple of times. So I will be up there shakin' my thang, helping her out, for a few classes and getting paid half of her commission! I don't expect it to be much, but hey, there is the cutest dress in a store right next to my house that is CALLING my name, so I am sure the extra money will not be put to waste! haha

Alright, well I will be heading out now, but hope everyone is doing well!
Ciao!
Annette

P.S.

I just read that last post...Sorry that some of it does not make grammatical sense...it was like 1 am here when I wrote it...sorry!!
besos!
Annette

MahB.

Hey all,

Sorry it has been quite some time since I last updated this blog. I have had quite an insane week--or two? Essentially, last weekend was the highlight of my trip, thus far.
I had previously felt like I hadnt been really taking full advantage of the culture. I had, but I had been doing it at a very slow pace. With an internship and school and a social life, being a tourist is difficult and slightly unappealing. Anyways, last weekend I planned an awesome culture enriched experience.
Friday I went out with a group of Porteños and americans.
Saturday during the day we went to a Polo match...we were with the elite of Argentina, it was very fun! There were a few older guys there that slightly made me think my father may have been like them. This one guy, dressed to the nines and dashingly handsome (for an older man), had a beautiful wife and a bunch of kids running around the stands as if it were a jungle gym (sound familiar, mom? haha) He smuggled in a couple of beers under his cashmere jacket and was the life of the party (well, the life of the group at least). For a polo match, they were rather rowdy. It was hysterical! Anyways, I had a ball!
That night me and three other girls went to the Ballet at Teatro Colón. We saw Oniguin, a russian play that was converted into a ballet. Teatro Colón was the first theatre built in Argentina and it was Gorgeous!!
Sunday I went on a very long run, met some guys from Uruguay, found some of the clubs I have been going to, and discovered the most SPECTACULAR gardens I have ever seen! They go on for miles, too! I had to stop at one point because I was so tired!
Anyways, that afternoon we went to the Día de inmigrantes (day of the immigrants) where essentially every culture had a little booth with trinkets and traditional FOOD of the country! SOOOOO BOMB!!! We found the Mexican tent and since I have been craving food with real flavor, we obviously indulged a little! We had some tacos and nachos...Definitely not super authentic (either of them...), but hey, beggers can't be choosers and I goobled it up like it was turkey on thanksgiving! We then went over to the Haitian tent and got these amazing smoothies with some crazy rum in them. It was crazy to chat with the guys in the tent, too! They lived through the earthquake and were here as refuges and studying spanish and english (their first language is french because Haiti was a french colony). It was a challenge to communicate with them, but man, were they fascinating!
Then we topped off the day with a late dinner at the most amazing vegetarian/vegan restaurant EVER. It's called Bio and it was AMAZING. we drank organic wine and ate the most succulent mushrooms I have ever, ever had. I am still amazed by them, they were out of this world!


Since then, it has been a glass case of emotion.
Drama has gone down at Santa Clara with the housing and it has been an absolute nightmare to take care of it. I still have yet to fully resolve it. In the end, though, I have dealt with it as best as I could and I know it will work out for the best. It has taken a serious toll on my energy and my mood, though. Such a bummer.
In addition, my host mom was a little passive aggressive with me. She is a sweet heart and I truly like her, in fact, she has helped me tremendously down here...however, she--along with every other argentine--does not know how to keep their mouths closed. She never said anything too harsh, but she was just rubbing the fact that my mother speaks flawless spanish and I do not, in my face. I dont think she intended to hurt me or anything, but it was just not the support I was looking to get after the stress of the housing stuff and constantly being put on the spot to speak spanish. Mind you, I am good. I am confident about my spanish and I can guarantee I have improved a lot. She is right that I am not flawless, but I mean, sorry my school suggested I stop speaking spanish at age 4 and have been expected to maintain fluency or risk a judgmental look by everyone who knows my family/my nationality. What does she think I am trying to do in this silly country of hers where they call fresas (strawberries) fruitilla and they use "vos" instead of "tú". Laugh at yourself, not me. Plus, she is trying to learn english and cannot ever remember a single word and I do not do anything but say words of encouragement towards her. Some people are just bitter. Or rather, argentine women are bitter. Young and old. they kind of suck. the men are great, though! haha
I can't decide whether it is a good idea to post this last part because it is personal and shows vulnerability, but what are we without our flaws? Screw it, you guys are here to experience my experiences and a huge part is the "Spanish Struggle," so welcome.

Anyways, it has been a long week, to say the least.
Now I have to figure out whether to do the bold adventure to Patagonia (which is obviously what I want most) or to do a less expensive trip to chile. When I say bold, I mean it will just be outdoorsy, lots of hiking and facing nature right in the face--but it will be totally safe and LEGAL (hahaha). For instance, I would go and see this:
http://www.kuriositas.com/2011/05/marble-cathedral-of-general-carrera.html
THAT sort of adventure! It would be with a fun group, too. I think 3 of them would actually be from Santa Clara, coincidentally.

The alternative would be a couch-potato trip that would involve wine, food, and pictures of some mountains in the distance. Sounds nice, but I mean...I can do that at home. What else would Napa or Santa Barbara be for? I think I must go on this trip.
I just need to figure out the logistics, but i mean, this is my dream come true.
I just dont think my friend and wing-woman down here, Lauren, would be as down for this adventure because it is a little more ballsy and a little more expensive. Plus, it involves less food, which is a huge no no in her book. hahaha she is hysterical.
anyways, that is where I am at now.

well actually i went to a Mac Store opening last night. Although it wasnt a full mac store, it was like a quick-stop store...if that makes sense? Anyways, open bar. It was grand. Lots of weird people. Great drinks and great hors d'oureves!

Tomorrow I am going to a rugby game...I am positively THRILLED!!! it is going to be soo much fun!
I am deeply upset, though. I was going to go to hear the Dalai Lama give a training session, but the last seat is 100 dollars (not pesos) and I dont think I should spend the money on that instead of patagonia. I can go to another speaking engagement of his, but i am really not interested in them...very sad :( oh well, thats life, i suppose :)

Oh and in 2013 I plan on returning to Brazil for the Carnaval. OH MY GOD, HOW FUN!!! I love south america. (check it out!)

ok im going to watch Pocahontas and get amped for patagonia and go to bed.
Sweet dreams world!

Every time I listen to this, I get butterflies:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DE5a80I8EU


Oh and there are a bunch of pics up on facebook, if you want a visual aid to all of this nonsense!
besos!

Malos Aires

Qué tal, todos?

It is very interesting what I am going through right now. Half of me is falling in love with everything and the other half of me is hating those very same things that I supposedly love.

For instance, I kind of complained about this before, but the language differences are a very sweet and sour type of a thing. I love how they speak, but I am not looking to pick up their accent...yet, I find myself kind of picking it up every now and then. It's fine, but not at the same time. haha
Secondly, the food. I love their food, but dear god, they are kind of inept to cooking flavorful foods. They have great pizzas and various other dishes, but many of them are rather bland. I mean, what happened to the spice!? or exploring the entire spectrum of flavors?! haha Their desserts are bomb, though, no denying that.
and lastly, the people, themselves.
they get their own list:
1. They are beautiful. As terrible as it is, you, for some reason, naturally want to like beautiful people, whether they deserve it or not.
2. They know they are beautiful and they know people want their attention. (foreigners or locals)
3. They think they are God's gift to man-kind. (men and women)
    3a. They either don't give you the time of day
    3b. or they are persistent as hell
    3c. either way, they expect you to fawn over them.
4. For the most part, the women suck here...no, the "chicas," or the younger girls. Anyone who already has a husband (boyfriend is not good enough, they need to be married) rule. Las chicas solteras (the single girls) Suck.
   4a. They are beautiful and know it.
   4b. They dislike anyone stealing their "deserved" attention.
   4c. Particularly americans who do not have the best reputation on the international front...
   4d. They refuse to be friends with you because they have had the same best friends since they were 2 (I think this may be unhealthy) and refuse to let people in...particularly american girls.
   4e. they will superficially help you, though, making them seem nice. but False, they are not.
   4f. They all think they are too cool for school. I dont know why. Actually, that is a lie, I do know why. Look at number ___
   4g. they are all skinny. bitches.
   4h. they were not blessed with nice "rear-ends" (the non-edited version: they have no ass. ha-ha...)
   4i. they freak out over everything. but they constantly contridict themselves. I don't get it.
5. THEY ARE NOT EUROPEANS. They are just Argentine. Someone needs to set them straight.
   5a. Seriously, when updating the cities architeqture, they RE-DID one of the jesuit missions completely so it would be an austrian baroque style church because it was one of the only european styles they did not have represented in Buenos Aires. The only thing setting this church apart from any of the other baroque style churches it has a bulb at the top of the towers that have the shape of an onion. Obviously that onion bulb was worth tearing down a historical church. Duh.
   5b. They do not want to be part of Latin America. They want to be European. but they are not. That would be like saying the US is still European. No. We are not. We have ancestral European blood, but we make very little effort to keep such a strong European claim alive. They should stop trying to be copy-cats and embrace their own culture.
   5c. Tango, their "claim to fame," wasn't even accepted here until a show went to FRANCE and the FRENCH approved it. Before then, it was a dance of prostitutes. literally.
   5d. They speak spanish as if they italians trying to speak spanish. I guess that makes sense because 85% of the original immigrants were italian, but dear god, that was like, 2 centuries ago. Move On.
   5e. YOU ARE NOT EUROPEAN. You have no right to think you are better because you speak with a silly italian accent and have european heritage. this was "the new world," remember? at this point, most of the WORLD has some form of european heritage. You. Are. Not. That. Cool. get your head out of you ass.
   5f. They think they are gods gift to man kind because they have some european heritage. As my mom would say, give me a break.
6. If argentina was to accept themselves for who they are, I would love it all. but they have this identity crisis going on that really needs to stop. It is just unfortunate that they (for the most part) are that good looking.
7. Do not get me wrong. I have been bitching a lot, but it's been a long day and I'm cranky. There are a lot of argentines who do not fall under these generalizations and who I love.
8. I want to date an argentine, but they really are tiresome. I wish they could just relax.
9. Family. I can assure you, the chances of me finding an argentine that I would want to seriously involve myself with is slim. (Seriously = continue seeing after I leave/marry/move back here for him---ha, no way).

In other news, I started my internship at What's Up Buenos Aires. The work itself is tedious and dull, but the benefits outweigh the monotony because I am the first to learn about everything that is going on in the city. I work on updating the agenda. I believe that job fell on me because it has to be done in English and Spanish. Doesn't make any difference to me, the job is chalk-full of benefits. Last night (sunday night) we had a welcome asado between the new interns (there are 4 of us) and the two people we work with, allie and kevin. Both are superrrrr cool and awesome. It is going to be so much fun to work for them. I was thinking about this earlier, I am never the one to get the awesome, fun, music-oriented internships. It is always my friends-who are music geniuses-who get these types of jobs. Don't get me wrong, I have been exposed to a lot of awesome music, giving me a decent background, but I am still not normally the one in this position. I am stoked, though, because for one, i realized I know a lot more than I gave myself credit for. Secondly, the things I didn't know (i.e. the background of all the individual musicians who make up the bands that I love or how to distinguish between good/mediocre/bad electronic music, etc.), I will be taught in this internship. It is going to be awesome. I also have all of the freedom in the world to go off and do some investigations into things I am interested in. For instance, I can check out the sustainability revolution that is going on in Arg right now, I can check out all of these organic farms, I can check out the yoga scene, I can check out organic restaurants, I can check out new artists, anything, I can do and I can find and create my own mini-project with it that will somehow be incorporated into What's Up Buenos Aires.

__________________________________________________________________________________
That was yesterday's post that I forgot to finish/was too lazy to finish.
love,
annette
p.s. that was a serious bitch fest, haha it is all partially true, but keep in mind i was cranky and it may have been slightlyyyy exaggerated. mahB! <3

My wonderful adventure to Brazil...

I appreciate everyones concern after reading my last post. I realize that you all love me and I feel fortunate to have you're love and care.

With that said, there are some things that I apparently have to filter from this blog. I don't care if you think I am delusional and foolhardy. I know you all love me and I should respect what you all have told me, but I don't and I am sorry if that offends you. I obviously did not embark on that journey without FULLY weighing all of the possible outcomes. I was not in harms way, chill. I do not regret what I did and furthermore, I would do it again if the opportunity presented itself.
Also, in regards to my fathers presence, I really don't care that you think he wasn't there, because he was. He was a dumbass in his own life, but at least he lived his life. I would imagine if his daughter is going to choose to make an OCCASIONAL risky decision, he is going to be pleased she is not living a boring, mundane existence and taking chances, but also HELP HER IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE SO SHE DOESN'T GET FUCKED. He was there. I am not delusional and I am not foolhardy.

Anyways, I love you all and I appreciate your concern.
Annette

P.S. I am aware that I will most likely get reprimanded for having a rather blunt message, but I had to stand up for myself.

I have found God...

and he comes in the form of a chocolate kinder bar "con leche y crema de avellanas"(aka it is a chocolate bar with a creamy hazelnut filling and some crispy wafer thing. WOW.
I always knew God and I would find each other, one day!

Anywhoooo, I unfortunately have to make this a quick post because I have a bunch of homework to do and it is already 11pm!

So, this weekend we went to Iguazu. It makes a border between Argentina and Brazil (with Paraguay right around the corner) and they are these SPECTACULAR falls that are MASSIVE! It had also been raining pretty hard before we got there (while also raining 2 of the 4 days...luckily they were the least important days, so it was all good), so water was gushing out with FURY! (see pictures below)
It was GORGEOUS, though! The first day we got there, it was too late to go to the falls, so me and three other people went into the cobble stone town and ate AMAZING pizza and empanadas and shared a couple bottles of red wine! Saturday we went to the Argentina side which was much more tranquil. It allowed for a more intimate experience with smaller falls. It was beautiful and you were instantly entranced with the falls. It was truly a majestic sight (one more thing on my bucket list crossed off!). After the falls, we went on a long hike to a smaller waterfall where a couple of the people in my group jumped in and went swimming! Not to sound like a snob, but I have already swam under waterfalls and the water was DAMN COLD so I wasn't about to fully immerse myself. I did wade around a little, though, and I climbed some rocks and trees and explored some crevices and caves, it was great! My type of adventure!! Sunday came around and we were unsure of what to do because everything fun was super expensive and there wasn't much more free/cheap stuff to do on the Argentina side. Soooo, we decided to sneak into the Brazilian side! I am going to give you a play by play of this because it was just that awesome.
1. We were told that americans cannot go to the Brazilian side because you need a visa to get into the country
   1a. The visas take anywhere from 3-18 days to acquire
   1b. They cost between 150-250 US dollars.
   1c. Hell-to-the-NO.
2. There is nothing else to do and we keep hearing a few courageous people in the past have successfully attempted this mission.
3. We (lauren and I) make up our minds to go.
4. We ask around and are told to get on a bus that goes to Paraguay. Once on the bus, talk to the bus driver and ask if he will drop you off once in Brazil. This way, you only have to check out of Argentina but you do not stop at Brazilian customs. Which is exactly what we were looking to do.
5. We are on the Paraguay bus, nervous as hell. Strangest thing happens: I become calm because I just can feel the approval, support, and guidance of my father. He was all about having fun and doing whatever you had to do to actually have that fun, so I mean, it is only obvious that he would help me along every step of the way. I turn to Lauren and say "don't worry, my dad is guiding us. We will do this  without any trouble"
6. Bus driver said No. BUST.
7. We sweet talk the bus driver (who is older 20s probably?) and he then just at that point in time he says "OH! I know exactly what we will do!" and leads us over to this other bus that just arrived that said "BRAZIL" in big, bold letters. Shit.
8. My premonition was right! So the Paraguay bus driver walks us over to this other--younger, less attractive, but trying REALLY hard to be cool and attractive--bus driver. I took one look at him and knew we were in. The Paraguay bus driver starts telling the Brazil bus driver what we are trying to do and he says (in spanish) "we just HAVE to help these beautiful girl!"From there on out, we had the Brazil bus driver helping us smuggle into the country! It was great!
9. He told us exactly when to get off, when to get on, where to go once we were off, when we should come back, what buses we needed to look for and avoid when returning, and all of the other superfluous details that needed to be discussed in order for me to feel reassured.
10. WE JUST DID NOT GET OFF AT BRAZILIAN CUSTOMS! We felt like such rebels! We just didn't get off the bus! We just sat there and then the bus just went right along on its way! INSANE!
11. WE WERE IN!
12. We then met this father and son who were from Ecuador but lived/grown up in London (weird to hear a south american father and son speak perfect spanish then perfect english--with a British accent!). We made friends with them and spent the Entire day with them! They made sure we were seeing the cool stuff, getting awesome pictures, and were safe! It was wonderful, they helped us get all the way home, too!
13. I 100% believe my father was behind me every step of the way, putting specific people in my path to comfortably guide me into the arms of mischief and fun. I know, what a proud deceased father, helping his daughter and her little friend smuggle into a country for a day...but what can I tell you, my father was the most interesting man in the world, he is not about to have boring children, is he?! No. I think not.
Regardless, I felt his comfort from the very beginning, lauren can testify to that!
14. It was one of the best days of my life. With the most amazing views I think I will EVER experience.
15. We went home, had a bomb meal, drank wine and margaritas and danced salsa.
16. I love my life. I love my father. I love my step father. I love my grandfather. I love my living family. I love my friends. I love my mother. but most importantly, I love adventures!

the next day we just chatted and goofed off until our bus came. the bus wasn't as great as it had been on the way up. The way up we watched movies, had big blankets and pillows, had big comfy chairs that reclined 160 degrees, were fed dinner and breakfast, in addition to free (and endless) whiskey, wine, and/or champagne! Livin' the good life! On the way home, our bed didn't recline that far and we almost were convinced we weren't going to get food. plus they had movies but the BLASTED them until 1 am. I was so pissed. plus it was freezing and they took away my second blanket. Jerks.
its whatever, though!

Ok, enjoy these pictures, there will be plenty more on Facebook, soon!
Much love,
Annette

Brazil

Argentina

Buenooooooo!!!

where to begin!

ok.

1. haha I can totally creep on this blog site and see from what country people are viewing my blog! We've got USA, Mexico, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Germany and Indonesia all represented. Thats pretty damn cool. Obviously for the fact that initially, this silly little blogs main purpose was letting my mother and grandmother know I am still alive and having fun, and now it is viewed globally, but alsoooo because while you think you are creeping on ME, I can totally creep on YOU! Well, kind of. That is really the extent of my knowledge; I am still pumped, though! haha

2. I dropped the photo class, and swapped it for a urban history of argentina. Stoked. It is so far my favorite class. It is funny because after the class, I realized that I really must be related to Nicky because the history class is my favorite class by far! SOOO interesting! Great, also, that the professor teaches it like hes telling a story. It makes it so much better. He is also this cute little old man. I love him!

3. IGUAZU THIS WEEKEND!? HELLLLLL YEAHHH!!!!

http://www.iguazuargentina.com/espanol/

Yeah. NO BIG DEAL.

see yeah all on tuesdayyyy!

ciao bella!

Annette

BREAKING NEWS

I got the job at both places I interviewed!!!

I think I am going to pick the fun one...I know I really should take the other one, but I am young and want to live a little. Screw it.

You guys should go check it out:
http://www.whatsupbuenosaires.com/wuba2/

I will write out my rational thinking...no, my justifications for picking this one at a later time.
much love!
annette

Fuera Flojera

Apparently they do not use the word flojera here. It is very frusturating because I want to learn Mexican spanish with a Mexican accent, not Argentine spanish with an Argentine accent. Not like there is anything wrong with the argetine way of speaking, but I am tired of people thinking I am just pronouncing a word wrong! False! It is right in Mexico and even if my spanish isn't 100%, I have been told many times it is obvious I am Mexican by the rythm of my speech. STOP TRYING TO CORRECT ME WHEN I AM NOT WRONG! GAH! I do not want to pronounce everything with some weird lisp thing. I want to speak eloquently and clearly. I want to properly pronounce every syllable. Argentines do NOT do that. Mexicans do. I want to speak as beautifully as my mother. I love the way she speaks, it is so clear and easy to comprehend. My spanish professor at Santa Clara also had a similar clarity when she spoke. Too bad she was a bitch. (sorry that I'm not sorry.) Seriously, though, I want to speak spanish beautifully in all aspects. Learning the Argentine accent is interesting, but not beautiful. They sound too aggressive or dramatic. Oddly appropriate...


Anyways, I am officially out of clothing. It is all dirty and we are required to take it to a laundry mat and have other people wash, dry, and fold my clothing. Sounds legit, but I dont understand why I can't just use the washing machines that my senora has?? It is some rule, I guess, but I could pay her the same amount that a laundry mat charges! Whatever. It's really not that big of a deal. I just have no option but to be in sweats for a day. I realize I should have planned that out better but I still fall under the "Y&D" category and for that reason, I gaurentee in 2 weeks I will tell you I am out of clothes once more. I think I just need to buy a pair of back up leggings or something. I wish dresses or shorts or shirts were acceptable. it's not that they arent (well, shorts arent really) but it is also too damn cold! Such a trip to think I was sun bathing in the middle of summer only two weeks ago and now I am bundled up with scarves, boots, and so many layers! Luckily it is "getting warmer" but I have yet to see a dramatic difference. it POURED a few days ago. I mean hail, thunder, lightening, the whole schabang! It was actually kind of cool, but I miss the sun. False. I miss WARM sun. Apparently there is a difference...


If anyone decides to come down to visit me or decides to send me a gift basket, I need three items to be somehow smuggled into the country:
1. Maseca. I need to make real tortillas. The first time I ordered a side of tortillas during a lunch two weeks ago, I got tortilla espanola...aka an egg and potato pie. Not tortilla.
2. LIMES. I didnt realize how dependent on limes I am, but I love them! It is like salt or avocado, limes make everything taste better! They think I am crazy, too, because they equate it to lemon and well, sorry but lemon just kind of sucks. It's not terrible but it just does not measure up to lime!
3. Chilli sauce. the food here is pretty bland and I can only take so much tabasco sauce...

Funny because I did find peanut butter. It is only funny because I am one of the few Americans who just doesn't really like peanut butter. I bought it, though, and have been putting it on bananas or apples. I typically do that around now (6pm) so I am alright until dinner. It is just funny to hear how all of my classmates are dying to find some and i accidentally stumbled into it and am kinda-sorta appreciating it. I should give it up, but if I found one, there must be more. I at least share some of it...kind of a bad choice, though, lauren nearly ate half of it last time (in one sitting! The girl really likes peanut butter!). I think I am just going to hoard it a little more.


If you dont plan on visiting me or you dont plan on illegally smuggling in some of my staple foods into the country, yet you still have the strong impulse to send me a sign of love and affection for your one and only daughter, granddaughter, niece, best friend, friend, acquantance, random-act-of-kindess-to-a-stranger, Feel free I could always appreciate some itunes credits. I am finding that I have a lot of time on my hands at night after my internet is shut off (because yes, that typically happens between 11pm-1am) and I do not have a TV...my book is also a little unnerving so movies are the perfect solution! I cannot watch monsters inc another time though, no matter how cute that little girl is.

Well, I bitched and complained a lot in this post, sorry everyone. It has to happen every once in a while, I guess!
much love all!
annette

que interesante...

First of all, I had previously been stoked because I think I have lost weight here from walking so much and eating food of a higher quality. I am sad now, because this weekend (even though I walked a boat load!) my señora made homemade empanadas and homemade pizza both nights. For instance, it is 11:35pm here and I just finished dinner. It is the first time this whole trip that my pants feel slightly tight. It doesn't help that gyms are closed on Sundays. Do Not ask me why. I do not know why and I am REALLY upset at this very unfortunate reality. 

pero bueno, it is all worth it in the end. :)

more importantly, this blog post is devoted to my Señora.

I just spent about an hour chatting with her. Interestingly enough, her husband died of cancer and apparently one of her family members took advantage of her vulnerable state after her husbands death and left her in an economically challenging position...interesting. 

She has also made it her top priority in life to have her daughter be very educated, very prepared, and very independent. She does not want to see her daughter married off to a man only to be dependent on him and vulnerable if something goes awry. (She has a son, too, but she said sons are different because they eventually we figure out their independence. Woman are not as guaranteed to be independent, so they require more effort to raise.)...interesting.

Funny how sometimes you are paired with particular people for a reason, don't you think?

Who knows the reason, but the overlap between our families histories seem to be all too curious. 

It is funny because since I have been here I have felt an invisible support from an invisible being. Take that as you will, whether you think it be my step-dad, my father, my grandpapa, or just a part of me that is making something up to comfort myself, but either way, I have a support system. Someone or some people are happy I am here. Deceased or living or make-believe. I feel positive energies. 

haha particularly when I put on my new (and GORGEOUS) leather jacket. From what I understand, my father had an affinity for fine clothing and I feel a sense of pride run through me when I put on that leather jacket. It was the first leather jacket I tried on here and it will probably be my most prized purchase from this trip. I know that seems to be very materialistic that a purchase holds that much weight, but it is more than just a purchase. To me, it symbolizes my fathers constant presence, protection, and support. I wear that and I feel at ease. 

I am anxious to see what adventures I will get into while I am here and what lessons I will learn. Maybe I walk away with the sole accomplishment of perfecting my spanish (which is slowly happening...slowly, but surely). No matter what, I partly think that this trip is going to teach me something about myself that will indirectly teach me about the people who are watching over me. Someone recently told me that they live within me. I am them. By knowing myself, I know them. So maybe by knowing and acknowledging myself, I exhibit traits of people I long to know and by default, know them as well as I know myself. 

That got me on a thinking-tangent that someone a while told me what you see in your friends is a reflection of what you see in yourselves (good or bad). I didn't understand what that meant at the time of hearing that, but I think after connecting it to what I explained above, it makes a little more sense to me now...

...life is all too interesting...

ok, ciao familia

tengo mis clases en la manana! 

~annette

86 views!

Hot damn! This blog website shows my statistics about how many views my blog gets and I have acquired 86 views within the past 2 weeks! As cliche as this is about to be: You like me! You really like me! haha


Anywayssssss, I am sitting at home on a saturday night for a few reasons:
1. There are elections tomorrow and I guess people take them very seriously...aka they stopped selling alcohol at noon today (mind you the elections are TOMORROW). Why spoil my fun 24 hours in advance? Rude.
2. I need a break.
3. My señora made homemade empanadas. (as quito always says:) PUM!!!

There is much to report. I am going to make an outline so I don't forget...
1. Class Schedule
2. Interviews
3. Language differences
4. Empanadas, Pizza, and ham and cheese
5. what I did today
6. What I am doing next week

Chapter 1: Class Schedule
What a hot mess. Seriously, though. Latin America does not know how to keep things simple and easy. In fact their definition of easy is "the more complicated, the better!" What a terrible definition, I know. So after a week of extremely stressful situations, I have a preliminary schedule (preliminary because if I fill out a bunch of paper work and make multiple office trips, I can still change my schedule to add or drop classes. I guess that's sick?).

Luenes/Monday:
11am-1pm: Spanish with my program (IES)
3-4:30pm: Argentine Poetry (IES)

Martes/Tuesday:
5-8 pm: Argentine Literature (IES)

Miercoles/Wednesday:
11am-1pm: Spanish with my program (IES)
3-4:30pm: Argentine Poetry (IES)
6-8pm: Internship Seminar (IES--Joke of a class)

Jueves/Thursday:
11am-1:50pm: La lenguaje de photográfica (UCES-local university; It is essentially a photo class)
                   (and no, mother, I know you are thinking I just busted out another annette-ism, but alas, you are wrong! (haha, I love saying alas...so entertaining!) It is not photografia, here they specifically told me it was photografica. I have the syllabus to prove it! Win for Annette!)
2-6 pm: taller de pintura, nivel III (UMSA-local university; I will be paiting with real argentines!)
7-9pm: Etica professional (UCES; Ethics class...I need one for Santa Clara and I figured, why not?)

Viernes/Friday:
LIBRE!
FREE!


I know it is a heavy load for being abroad, but I did that on purpose. This next week I plan on selecting which ones I like best and dropping 1-3 of them (I am in the position where I can do that). I have a feeling I will drop the painting class because painting requires soooo much time that I just do not have and I am not about to produce half-assed art. That just will not happen.
I will post my final schedule at the end of next week!

Chapter 2: Interviews
I had one interview with Round Table on Responsible Soy and it went splendidly well! So well that they offered me the position, actually! I have yet to accept it because I want to hear back from the other potential internship, but I think this would be really a really great experience. I am hesitating for two reasons, though. The first is that I would be doing a lot of administrative work and only be exposed to the same 6 people day in and day out. Not that they aren't nice people, but they are kind of old and dull. It is just not as appealing as the other job, even if it would be great for my resume. It's the sad truth, but I am in Argentina, I am not looking for the mundane, I am looking excitement! I want to be swept off my feet everyday! Which I have been thus far, but that internship sounds like a drag. Plus, they have some cracks in their infrastructure. I won't go too much into it, but I just noticed that there may be some details they don't seem to concentrate on that I consider to be important. We will see, though, it would be an amazing opportunity that I am definitely not ruling out!
The other interview went well, but I was disappointed because to save time, they did group interviews. It just wasn't as personal as I would have liked and for that reason, I don't think I stood out as much as I could have. I still think I made myself noteworthy, but I have many traits and interests that I think would have been of interest and value to them that I just did not have as good of an opportunity to expose. I tried, don't get me wrong. It just wasn't as successful as it could have been. It is a cool company, though. They focus on making public the underground music/art scene in Buenos Aires. They are starting to focus a little more on more marketable things, like what tourists can do once they get here, but they still have the underground feel and focus. I would still be doing a lot of administrative work, but its with awesome people and I would have awesome connections to the social world of Argentina/South America!  How can I resist!? haha It is just much more alluring than the other.

Chapter 3: Language
I feel like I am definitely improving, but in the constant presence of spanish, I have picked up a few things:
1. Argentines speak spanish as though they have are speaking spanish with an Italian accent. Every thing is WAY more dramatic. For instance, in Mexico you would say "No quiero ir al boliche (club)." in a pretty fluid rhyme. In Argentina, you would say it more like this "no QUIERO ir al boliche!" It is just melodramatic if  you ask me. haha They also pronounce the "ch" like "sh"...so annoying. They do the same for the double L's (calle: Mexico: "Caye" Argentina "Cashe"...how the hell am I supposed to understand that!? Especially when they just decide to throw in the accent to words that that rule doesn't even apply to!? RUDE!) It makes life extremely challenging.
2. VOS. What the hell. You use "vos" when you are asking something about a person ("A vos os gusties[?] ese coche?"--Do you like that car?) you say "tu" when it is about an object ("Es tu coche?" Is that your car?). Que horror. I don't know. It is very confusing and unsettling, though. Here, you only always refer to children as "tu." With adults that you are trying to show an extreme amount of respect (aka an elder or the president were the two examples given), you use "Usted", but aside from that, you use "vos." You can see why I am unsettled. If I say tu, it could be taken as an insult but as usted, I could be indirectly insulting them by saying they are old enough to be referred to as "usted"
Conclusion: Vos sucks, they're over-dramatic, and pronounce things incorrectly. Hence, I will be sticking to my version of spanish (a perfect blend of annette-isms and Mexican spanish--my host family says I speak with a heavy mexican accent...they giggle but I'd much rather speak like a mexican than an argentine...no offense to all of the argentines...)

man i dont feel like writing anymore.
emapandas are divine. particularly homemade ones.
pizza here blows the pizza in the states out of the water. yay for italian influence.
Ham and Cheese here...a staple in latin america--BLOWS. They're ham SUCKS. they only place that I have actually enjoyed ham and cheese is at a starbucks! (sad, I know, but it was quick, cheap, and convenient... don't hate.)
We found awesome parks today. and a fair and other cool stuff.
we are planning a trip to Uruguay for this upcoming weekend. We have monday off for some random holiday and we might as well hit the beaches in Colonia!

ok, buenas noches Buenos Aires

(but really, they are lying to themselves by calling the city Buenos Aires...the air here sucks. My lungs hate me. Everyone smokes and the cars are definitely not up to american standards...they should consider changing it to "Malas Aires" o "Buenos Aires...afuera de la cuidad" new motto, what?

ok 4realz, good night all.
annette

Interviews!

AH!
Ok, I slept and now I'm worry free, once again!

but I have an interview today with Round Table on Responsible Soy, check it out! It is right up my alley!!!!
http://www.responsiblesoy.org/

The other one is What's Up, Buenos Aires:
http://www.whatsupbuenosaires.com/wuba2/
Which looks pretty cool, too, but just in an entirely different sense...
wish me luck!

...can I wear leather boots to an interview with responsible soy people?

love,
annette

Bien Cansada...

Hey All,

I apologize to my many fans for not keeping up with this blog as well as I did. This week has been a chaotic mess. We have been trying to sign up for classes and let me tell you, it is the biggest pain in the ass EVER. Even if you have one simple question, you MUST go in to whatever building/office that person is at and ask in person. No one responds to email. SO annoying. What is worse is that the whole sign up process is SO unclear. It is awful.

So today I went to UMSA (local university, it is private and I had high hopes....) and tried out 2 classes. The first was Art history of Argentina (20th century) & the other was drawing. Well, I had to miss my spanish class to see if I wanted to take this art history class and now I am bummed that I skipped a class I liked because the Art History class was a waste of my time. 1. the professor's teaching style was not congruent to how I've been taught art history in the past, this professor made things much more complicated 2. the professor expects A LOT, now I'm up for a challenge, but dear god, understanding what the hell she is trying to say about some random painting is difficult enough. Let alone visit 6 different museums and read 4 different text books (that admittedly all contradict each other)...yeah, sorry, but no thanks. I am here to work hard, but not to kill myself trying to read entire art history books in another language. Hell to the No. Even the kids in that class were snooty, I guess that's the art history crowd, though. Whatever. The next class was drawing, which I was only attending to check out not because I necessarily wanted to sign up. I really want to sign up for painting, which is tomorrow, but get this: I was the only student. You may say that is wonderful, but NAY. 'twas not. Art is a process. stopping me every 15 minutes to correct me will only frustrate me. Chances are I will find the "error"myself and fix it, but I can't have someone breathing down my neck the whole time! No Bueno!! I also am getting frustrated with drawing because I can express myself much more easily via paints. The dimension of color adds so much, its ridiculous! Any ways, even if I appreciated the individual attention, I do not want to be by myself for a full quarter! I am doing this to meet Argentines, not to isolate myself from EVERYONE! I can't imagine that tomorrow (for painting) it will be much better, which I am sad for. I don't know what to do...?


I also have to interviews tomorrow for internships, The first one (and my first choice!) is this NGO that works to provide organic soy or something, I don't know, I should probably research it tonight. I just remember being stoked when someone explained it to me last week. The other would essentially be working for the night life of Buenos Aires, which would be fun and would definitely not be isolating! Either way, I am pleased!

Sorry for such a downer blog, life in the city really is fun and I am LOVING it, I am just frustrated with this class schedule business...only because my alternative is taking all of my classes with americans, which is not what I came to do.

Anyways, I am going to go eat raviolis, coke, and maybe some flan then watch pocahontas and go to bed.
love you all,
annette

The quest for the holy grail...

So I apparently don't get dinner on saturdays, we are on our own, so all I want is some avocado (which they have down here...THANK GOD) and crackers. I wanted cheese, pero bueno, avocado is much more important. So anyways, my señora had to walk the dog, so she said she would join me in my quest to purchase an avocado. We went to 3 different little stores all within a block from the house. Get this...the first one had a RED avocado! RED! Can you BELIEVE that?!!?!?!?! I mean, I have seen it tinted red before, but this was RED, through and through! My señora was equally mystified, but the guy at the store was pretty defensive about his red avocado! He kept saying that there are many different types of avocado and that it was still good (it needed another day, though. Poor guy doesn't have the touch of an avocado connoisseur). Oh, and it has been such a struggle because they call aguacate "Palta," which is such a trip! I always say aguacate by default and everyone looks at me like im a weirdo! They also don't have a good way to say "how cool" and they give me looks when I say "que padre," too! (FYI for those who do not know, que padre is how cool in spanish, but is very regional to Mexico. So I am instantly pegged as a Mexi. Fine by me, but I don't want to stand out so much!) So lame! they need to get on inventing new words, man. This isn't chill. Anyways, so when we finally found a decent selection of avocados, I go and start feeling them to pick one and my señora suggests I let them pick one for me because they would know better. I had to laugh. I mean, please. Besides my mother and estella, no one rivals my avocado picking abilities. I have been taught by the best. The grocery guy could tell, too, because he said he was nervous to pick one for me incase it was bad! I had to agree, though, I would have been "re enojada" (really mad, re is regional for Argentina to mean very) if he picked a bad one. Anyways, I also asked one of the bigger little markets (oxymoron...haha) if they had Maseca to make mexican tortillas, but apparently you can't ask the guy behind the vegetable stand because he has no idea what goes on in the aisle right next to him. Apparently he rents out a spot to sell in the store, so he is pretty independent of the store itself. Weird. They all laughed at me. haha Including the people in line to purchase their vegetables. As if that was such a stupid assumption! My Bad that in the US, if you work in a store, you know what's up in the whole store! haha oh well, I was laughing with them, it was very entertaining! But alas, they did not have maseca. The chinese store supposedly does though...and they think I am the weird one?! Please.

The adventures begin...

Right, well yesterday we went to this BEAUTIFUL ranch two hours away from the city. The trip was put on by the program and we were able to bike; ride horses; play soccer, volleyball, and tennis; and eat the most AMAZING meal ever! I mean, wow. They had a salad bar that would have pleased any veggie crazed person, as well as a meat selection that satisfied the blood thirsty carnivores. For real, though, they had blood sausage. THANK GOD I found out about that after the meal because as a rule of thumb, I must try it all, but GROSS. Apparently it tasted like potatoes or something...not sure how that works, but whateva! There actually was one meat, I didn't get the name of it but the texture was like butter. I have never, EVER, tasted such good meat. SO Bomb! Then they gave us two desserts, the first one was this cake thing that was good, but the other was this dulce de leche ice cream that I seriously have never experienced such pure bliss. Wow. It was absolutely AMAZING. 

We also shared a bottle of Malbec and another of Syrah. It was DIVINE. 

It was a really great day, though, I have formed a little group that consists of this hilarious girl from Minnesota (she has a hard core minnesota accent, too! Soo entertaining!) who doesn't speak much spanish and to hear her attempt is probably one of the funniest things of my life. I am not kidding, she is loud, shameless, and has the best gringa American accent ever! For instance, she barged into a taxi, started chattin' the driver up by saying (read this phonetically, I am trying to mimic her accent:) "Hhhholaaa! Komo estaas! Te guusta McDonalds?! Pour que McDonalds es mi viDa! Joe komo McDonalds siemprey!" hahahahhahahahahaha I seriously could record her or follow her around with a video camera and probably have a show on comedy central. Everything Lauren does, I can't help but laugh at! It's great! My other friend is Camille, she is a sweet heart who is Mexican & Scandinavian...she looks latina, though, maybe puerto rican. I don't know, but she is tan with dark features. She is very strong willed and so much fun! 

We have two other friends: Cara, who is 21, lives in her own apartment and is engaged. Cara joins us when she wants, she is a little more into doing her own thing, which is totally rad and I can totally respect that, so we always invite her out but never push her.  She does have family in Brazil, so hopefully we can all go up and check out Brazil! The other friend is this very flamboyant guy named Max. He goes to school with Lauren and is absolutely hysterical. He is very sarcastic and very gay and very very very funny. He lives further away from us, but when he joins in on our adventures, I am laughing the whole time! It is so great!

What is also great is that all of them are very eager to explore south america. We are starting to plan a few little trips. We met these Extremely attractive guys from Uruguay who ride (surf) for Quicksilver. They inspired us to visit Uruguay. They obviously persuaded us by highlighting the rich cultural history of the country...duh. haha No, we actually didn't give them our information, so we wont be visiting them, but if they were that attractive, the rest of the country sounds promising. :)

I am trying to remember what else we have done that is note worthy. We went out the past couple of nights, it has been so fun. One night we went to this bar that was all americans. It was kind of a bust. Not down for an all american bar, I came to Argentina for an Argentine experience, not an American experience. So we left and went to this club right across the street from my house (sooo convenient!). It was really fun, met so many fun, interesting people! What is funny is that every night we have gone out, we have met more foreigners than locals...bummer, but still cool! There have been Italians, Portuguese, brazilians, french, german, uhhh I don't remember what else, but I am sure there are more. We have met many Argentines, though, which is wonderful. They are all very nice, men and women, which is slightly surprising. I only say that because as you all know and expected, the men are very much into showering foreigners with attention. I would have expected the Argentine women to be envious and thus, bitchy, towards us for stealing the attention, but on the contrary. They party with us, which rules! Maybe they think if they chill with us, they'll get the same attention. I think it's worked for them? I don't know, but works for me, I like new friends! (this isn't true for all of them, though. Some are very rude when they realize we are americans and refuse to give us the time of day. I get the impression, though, that they are like that just in general. Trés sad for them to be so stuck up.) The men here are all extremely attractive, however, I have lost some of my fascination for the local woman. At first I was 100% intimidated by the woman because I thought they are all so beautiful and what not. Well, I suppose they are, but it is kind of like once you've seen one Argentine woman, you have seen them all. Not to sound rude or anything, but they just all look and dress too similarly. They all have long dark hair, most with straight across bangs, very pale faces, and dark features. They are gorgeous, but once the novelty of their look wears away, they are just regular people again. The men, on the other hand...well, maybe I am just biased, but their look never gets old. haha my friends agree.

Today we walked around the market because we missed the city tour my program (IES) put on. We were bummed to have missed it, but it's not that big of a deal because we will see it ourselves plus we had such a wonderful day! We walked down this very busy street that had all of these street vendors that had amazing art from everywhere in the country and in the continent. I bought this beautiful necklace from peru and this other tree of life leather bracelet from a place near patagonia (southern Argentina). We also might go back and buy this beautiful paintings that have these native symbols on them (native americans...? for argentina, I don't know how to phrase that properly...). The guy is from Northern Argentina and I want this one that is a two headed snake which means balance (like the yin and yang symbol).

Tonight, Camille wants to stay in but Lauren and I are going to go find a wine bar or something to chill at. Tomorrow we will go to San Telmo, the bohemian area of town and check out a weekly "fairia" which is like an artisan market full of unique stuff. Apparently there are transvestites that walk around promoting some club during la fairia, I hope to go check that club out at some point, just for the fun of it!

ok, well I rented Aladdin on itunes, so I am going to watch that, eat another midnight dinner, then get ready for a relaxing night with some malbec. 

Oh, one side note, I am having a very difficult time adjusting to this late dinner. Mom, you know this, but I eat very early. Ideally, I eat dinner between 5-6:30 pm. I also like light dinners. None of that is the norm here. We eat between 8:30 and 10 pm and they are pretty large portions. I also think she gets offended if I don't finish my plate, but I just can't eat that much. Honestly, some times I would rather just not eat than have to eat such a late dinner. It is screwing up my whole metabolism. The next day, all I want to do is eat and I end up feeling extremely large! No Bueno!!! I think, soon, if I don't adjust, I am going to have to figure out a different approach to my problem. I am not worried, but it is kinda of a pain to deal with, you know?

Alright, well sorry that it was so long, I figured it had been a couple of days so a good update was acceptable. I also am so excited to hear I have actual people reading my blog! That is so exciting! No offense mama and grandmama, you two obviously are the whole reason I am writing this, but it is cool to  hear other people are interested, too! Hurrah for all of you!!

ok, chau! 

annette

 p.s. I posted pictures on Facebook and I have more to come, so keep checking that for pictures!

Perdon!

Hey all!

I haven't had much time to really type out what I've done, I will try and do it today. Yesterday, I left super early yesterday and have only been home for la comida (dinner), to change, and to sleep. Today will be the same. I've met a bunch of argentines, though!

Were going out to las provencias--el campo/the ranches--today. it will be a fun day. I went out last night...I am definitely dragging this morning, though. bust. 

Anyways, I love mis aficionados!

Besos!

Jet lag...

I realized the reason I am so thrown off is because of the 4 hour time difference. I have had trouble falling asleep and waking up, which is abnormal for me. Anyways, I bought a phone today. Explored the city more. OH and I found a store that is called Annette! I am going back tomorrow to take a picture of the sign!! I also apparently live a block away from a beautiful garden and a gym that will give me a month free. I wish I had energy to exercise. bleh. I am going to take a nap.

I hope everyone is doing well. I am also aware that my mother isn't even reading this, so I presume I am just writing this for myself, which may be for the better. Anyways, chau. (Ciao, but Argentines decided to spell it differently. Why? Because they can...)

Oh, I did walk into the cutest art retail store. It had everything from paintings to jewelry to hand knit sweaters (that were atrocious but had so much character, they were almost cute). I love Argentina; there are so many hidden treasures!

¡Rebajas!

Ahhh! What a fun day!

We went to visit a very prestigious university to see the course list and decide whether we want to enroll or not. There was only a small group of us who had the O.K. to enroll since you need to have a higher level of spanish, but a whole crew came along because it is a very liberal, outspoken campus...supposedly. You could tell by the posters that the students certainly had a voice, but it was so empty that it was hard to fully understand the picture they had painted for us. Anyways, I might take an art history of Argentina class there, although its a time commitment and...ehh...we'll see.

Anyways, a group of us got a café con leche after and just chilled for a while at the cafe. It was really fun and I understand why Argentines drink coffee, it's because they essentially call their midnight snack dinner, so 1. they need something to sustain them and 2. they need energy to be able to run on such little sleep. Crazies.

OHH and I bought the most beautiful, inexpensive leather jacket EVER. I was very uncertain because it is flat out leather and being a liberal, well, you can see my dilema. Anyways, I was assured that he did not buy any leather that was raised just for leather, they raise them to eat and conveniently use the leather for jackets (for tourists, like me!). Who knows if that was just a line, but it reassured me and got him a purchase, so hey, we all win. Except the cows and goats. They definitely drew the short straw...
Anyways, it was a liquidation sale so it was over 50% off an already inexpensive price AND he is altering it to fit me perfectly! For no extra cost! and he took an extra 90 pesos off to pay him cash! I LOVE ARGENTINA! and I love rebajas! (sales) haha It is a beautiful deep brown color with a purple tinge. It is gorgeous. Sad fact, though, I bought a leather jacket before I purchased a phone...My bad, mom.

ok, I am going to go eat another midnight dinner and then quizás drinks with some people I met?

Oh, side note, I really am enjoying the fact that no one has grouped themselves off. I can hang out with one person, then part ways and hang out with another person I've only met once with no awkwardness at all. It is wonderful and everyone is so nice! I am extraordinarily happy!! Oh. and I met my Señoras son. He is very cute. :)

It's been a great day that hasn't even ended yet!
<3

Go Fish.

Today was orientation and it began by taking a bruise to all of our egos. We were required to have our host parents take us to the first day of school; she even gave me monedas to catch the bus home. hahaha It was very entertaining and humbling to feel like a wide-eyed, naive child again. It's whatever, though, without our host parents help, every single one of us would have been at least an hour late and that is if you are proficient in Spanish, so it was obviously a smart move! 

Anyways, at orientation I learned a lot of really interesting things

1. thieves "go fishing" at atms after the banks close and the gaurds go home. By this they mean the "fishermen" stick a hook up the slot where cash comes out. The genius behind this method is that it hooks the money on to the hook, makes it look like the money was just jammed (not sure how you can miss fishing wire...or if they even use fishing wire?), and still prints a recite so you have no argument to say you didn't get your money if you try to come back to the bank the next day. Crafty. 

2. We played the name game as an ice breaker. The guy next to me is from lithuania and his name for the name game was Silly Sharky...sooooo, his name is Sharky? No sé...

3. Got a tour of San Telmo, the birth place of the Tango! Apparently tango started off as the scandalous and inappropriate dance for prostitutes, but then the French saw it and loved it and because Argentines want the approval of all Europeans, Tango was then accepted! (I also found a potential yoga studio in San Telmo, its the bohemian area of town...they are very public with their affection in San Telmo, too...haha)

4. Met all of the kids in my program, which was great, they all were really nice and friendly. It will be interesting to see who I end up hanging out with since I plan on taking most of my courses at the universities rather than taking them through the program.

5. The last--and most important--thing I learned today was that my mother is 100% WRONG. I have an AMAZING sense of direction, I am very adept at reading maps, AND I know geography! I was with a group of Americans and one other spanish speaker today and we all decided to walk home (it is apparently pretty far). They wanted to stop and purchase some miscellaneous things on the way but we got very lost under the direction of the other spanish speaker and one other girl who claimed she knew where we were. False. Neither of them had no clue. haha Up until then, I had just been cruising because I was enjoying the walk and company, plus, I like getting lost. You learn the city better and faster that way. Anyways, I had a general idea of where we were and I led us back and successfully got everyone where they needed to go! 

Lastly. It is freaking FREEZING here and I regretfully left my warmest stuff at home. BUST. 

It was about 40 degrees F all afternoon and even colder this morning. NOT COOL.

but whatevs, it's over now.

Ok, too-da-loo!

Annette

Where it all happens...

I have arrived to Buenos Aires after a grueling day of uncomfortable travel. It's all good, though, because I am exactly where I am supposed to be!

I will give the highlights so people (*cough*Jonny*cough*) won't zone out:

• My apartment rules, it is beautifully decorated, has an elevator (we're on the 4th floor...I guess it is too taxing to walk 4 floors), big antique keys, and A LOT of storage space...which rules.
• My house mom, Rosario, is such a sweet woman. I gave her the mexi-themed place mats and the San Diego book my mom and I picked out for her. She loved them both, I think she was inspired for some paintings by some of the photographs in the SD book...the pictures kind of made me miss home...no time for that now, though! San Diego will always be waiting for me :)
• My host sister is 19 and is really, really nice. I went with her to vote, really interesting how lax their voting process is. The election right now is for the equivalent of a mayor, so it really wasn't too far fetched or different, but definitely more casual than how the U.S. does it.
• We went to the mall afterwards. The people here are beautiful. It is as though the 1-10 scale is just a little off, the average is not a 5, but a 7. They all have the dark exotic look, too. It is also nice to see they all deeply care about how they present themselves. By that I mean if they look sloppy, it's because that was the style they were actually going for, not because they hadn't done laundry and had no other alternative.
• Some Argentines are trying to bring back the 90's grunge in a real bad way. 
• Their dog, Hunica (pronounced in some weird way that I am sure I will never say correctly), hates me. I will not give up, though. It (he/she?) will like me.

Ok. Time for a nap. So tired. So tired of sleeping upright with some spastic girl twitch in her sleep for 3 hours straight, too. 

Tomorrow is orientation. Should be interesting!

Love,

Annette

P.S. I think I am going to like it here.

Scratch that, I already do. This is a very "Annette" city. :)

¡Bienvenidos!

This is actually happening. I am actually going to Argentina.

Woah.

I assume you are reading this because you are either my 1. Mother and/or my Grandmama or 2. someone who is most likely bored and looking to scope someone elses adventures.  Either way, ¡Bienvenidos a mi blog! Here I will essentially be keeping an online journal (or attempting to, anyway) of my studies adventures in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Words of Caution:
I am not trying to write a concise dictation of my experiences. This is a journal where I will write my thoughts; they may not always be cohesive, but you are reading this at your own risk.
I see it like this: just as my writing takes a lot of tangents, as does my life. Somehow all of those tangents eventually align to make something rather unique and rather fascinating. I do not take the straight path. Perhaps I am ADD or perhaps I just like to smell the roses, either way I seek out--and eventually acquire--the best possible final destination...I take the scenic route or the road less traveled. Whatever. It's cool. It's interesting. You should read it.

So let us begin with a little background:
(If you know me, I might skip this and wait for an actual post...the thing is I can't just jump in, I have to give an appropriate background or else people will have no idea where I am coming from and, well, we all know that would be just Tragic.)

So many people have asked me why I chose Argentina and too be honest, I don't know. I have always been drawn to Argentina and so it just seemed like the natural choice...although, I did consider going to the Galapagos but that would have been a complete 180* on the adventure I am about to embark on...anywhoooo, as I learned more, I realized that there may have been some unseen reason that I was drawn to Arg (aka Argentina...feel free to pronounce it like the pirate "Arghhh!" I feel like that might add some color to my stories...). I am studying Environmental Sciences and Studio Art at Santa Clara University and I would really like to go into Agroecology. [As further background: Agroecology is the ecological/approach to agriculture (so improving the agricultural system to rid it of pesticides and other harmful methods).] Well, Argentina is full of agriculture (they are huge in wines and beef) and I am full of excitement waiting to learn about their agriculture...so there you go, it's a match made in heaven. haha too cheesy, I know, but trust me, my mother is getting a kick out of this (and she is the main reason I am writing this damn thing--so she knows I am still alive without me having to send a consistent stream of emails and/or phone calls).
So anywho, it worked out oh-so nicely that Argentina has exactly what I am looking for in terms of my academic pursuits and it will perfect my spanish. Win!

Right, so that is why I am going to Buenos Aires: Academics, spanish, adventures, and perhaps learning tango from a chiseled Porteño wouldn't hurt, either...
(Side Track: Porteño is what people from Buenos Aires call themselves.)
     (Side Track numero dos: I know I could just say "side note," but I feel that "Side Track" is really more what is happening. I like to be honest, so we will stick to saying Side Track)


okkk so what am I feeling?

Eh I am nervous and excited and in disbelief. My host family seems like they are super cool, which I am stoked on...uhh, I am nervous that I will become sleep deprived. hmm I dont know. How about this, I will write a post when I am en-route to Arg and let you know then, because truthfully, right now I am thinking about the amazing day I will have tomorrow.

I prefer to live life day by day. I will smell the roses that are in bloom, not the ones that are just budding.
(I know, ultra-cheezzzze, but I dig inspirational quotes. Perhapssss I will end my posts with inspirational buddah-ish like this all the time...sucks for everyone with the exception of my mother and my grandmother...and me...soods!)


(plan for tomorrow: wake up, run, hike, mozy or board and brew with Laramee, fletchers cove with larmaee and chloe, yoga, get my nails did, eat something DELICIOUS, paint and shove a bunch of clothes into some big-ass-suit cases, sleep or maybe get a drink. we will see.)